Songfest

On Saturday, February 13th St. Michael’s presented Songfest featuring the American songbook for Valentine’s Day. It is not the first Concert hosted by the Cemetery. Each is attended by varying numbers of individuals and families. Each has benefited from news stories reporting on the event.

St. Michael’s Songfest enjoyed the support of Gus Antonopoulous of Farnega & Sons, John Golden of Gleason’s Funeral Home and Kevin Mack of Thomas M. Quinn & Sons. The advertisements announcing the Concert were colorful, interesting and included the names of the Funeral Homes participating with St. Michael’s.

The Concert was held in All Faiths Chapel within St. Michael’s. The Chapel is a unique setting highlighted by a stained glass image reflecting several religions. As a religious cemetery open to all faiths differing religions are honored. The Chapel can comfortably seat 80 with standing room for 30 or more. The “house” was packed during the Concert.

The Hank Johnson trio, Jazzbone Records performed love songs that covered years of American music history. St. Michael’s is fortunate in having our Controller, Jeff Miller, known as the Vintage Baritone. Jeff sang several love songs that kept the audience in rapture. Jeff whose first CD will shortly be released has already been approached by a major record label. Many in attendance inquired why Jeff worked at St. Michael’s when his talents should have him on stages across the nation.

At the conclusion of the Concert individuals and groups thanked me on behalf of St. Michael’s for providing the means to recall loved ones with fondness and happy memories. It is rewarding that the dedication of St. Michael’s never to become a warehouse for the past is accepted and appreciated by the families we serve. St. Michael’s will always be a resource to recall lives that were part of our community with love, respect and a smile!